How to Keep Herpes at Bay

One of the greater annoyances of genital herpes outbreaks is that they strike randomly and unexpectedly. The American Social Health Society notes that once you contract the herpes simplex virus that causes herpes, you might not notice symptoms for days--but it can also be weeks, months, or even years, with subsequent outbreaks varying largely, depending on the individual. A combination of prescriptions proven to curb the frequency of outbreaks partnered with healthy living and lifestyle adjustments can keep painful herpes at bay.

Things You'll Need

• Oral antiviral medications (prescribed by a doctor)

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Instructions

Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

• 1

  Ask your doctor if suppressive therapy using prescription oral antiviral medications can help. The Mayo Clinic notes that when oral antivirals (acyclovir, famcyclovir and valacyclovir) can stop herpes outbreaks completely in some people who use them daily. Suppressive use of oral antivirals by people who have six or more herpes outbreaks a year can expect to experience a reduction in frequency by as much as 80 percent.

• 2

  Try to avoid situations and circumstances that trigger a herpes outbreak. The American Social Health Association indicates that many people with genital herpes begin to notice what tends to herald an outbreak--such as illness, stress, and use of steroid medications, to name only a few.

• 3

  Keep your body and mind healthy. ASHA notes that most people notice a reduction in herpes outbreaks as time passes. But frequency can also be reduced by reducing stress, getting enough sleep, adequate nutrition, and exercise.